What's up, everyone? This is SuperHeroTimeFan, now returning to all of you with a brand new Chapter for my great story, Journey of the Knight! I'm glad that you all like this story so much, and thank you all for the Reviews on my previous Chapter for my Birthday. It means a lot, thank you. I would like to thank my best friends, The Christian Jedi (returned), Jacqueline Karst, Scourge from BloodClan, Darkest Nightmare's Dread, MartyrFan, Chris Adair, FusionBase27, Katara x Aang 2015, Ultimate Advent Story Dude VII, Eubulon Zenith Extreme, The Supreme Henshin Hero 2015, Cycomatrix Eternal, Hay Lin x Tsukasa Kadoya, Ross Blum the IV, PowerHour2015, Dwayne McDuffie, Slade The Terminator, Sergeant Connelly, Brightheart10, Superfan44, J Chix, WolfMan2010ism, bconfer368, Child of Jon, Oup700, JapanRules555, BlackAkatsuki23, MBShadow, Seven Squares, Ultra Neo Kamen Rider 15, Awesometacular Extravaganza, Spartan of Chaos, T-Rex989, Dylan, TheGreatGodzilla, Neos the Final Builder, Doggy Bye, VoltronLover23, Brooke Vengeance, AbbyDobbie, Dragonblaze66, AnimeBella09, Link01742, Libertate01, Oniner, Oup700, Jonathan579, The Morning Sun, Kamen Rider Sting, ByrdDog66, Virgil1989 The Crossover King, trickster3696, KrautYank, Ocnarf, Darth Kahn, and of course, all of the Guest Reviewers. I don't know what I could've done without you. I would like to welcome back The Christian Jedi! He has been absent for a while, but he's back again. Also, thank you to The Christian Jedi, Darkest Nightmare's Dread, Darth Kahn, and MartyrFan for wishing me a Happy Birthday, as well as KrautYank for wishing me a late one. I promise that I will continue making you all proud with that support. Now, this Chapter is one that's part of a Four-Episode Arc from Star Wars: The Clone Wars as a Plan for the Cancelled Seventh Season. KrautYank helped me a lot on this, and I'm sure that you'll like it. Also, this Chapter is in memory of someone very special to him. Without further ado, here's my new Chapter! Please be sure to review, rate, and as always, please enjoy!
Chapter 25: The Bad Batch
In Memory of Diane Marie Newell-Overbeck (February 27, 1962 - January 11, 2015), the Mother of KRAUTYANK.
The Best Defense is a Strong Offense.
Strength of the Republic! For their valiant services of selflessness on the Front Lines, the World of KAMINO produces more Clone Troopers to help fight the good fight! Superclone from EARTH-16, CONNOR KENT, also known as SUPERBOY of the YOUNG JUSTICE, has fought bravely to defend KAMINO and his Brothers, keeping the ORDER from gaining the DNA Samples of the Clone Source, JANGO FETT, and historical Clones, such as 99, HEVY and ECHO, both of the famous DOMINO SQUAD, have given their lives to let the Clone Army live on longer. Now, with the number of enemies growing from the ORDER, the SEPARATISTS, and even the DARKSIDERS, the REPUBLIC faces the threat of dissolution. Summoned to KAMINO with the YOUNG JUSTICE, 501ST CLONE CAPTAIN 7567, better known as CAPTAIN REX, with ARC TROOPER CT-5555, better known as FIVES, now must oversee and lead the new group of Clone Commandos!
The Martian Bioship landed on Tipoca City, now heavily fortified due to the last attack. Ahsoka led the Young Justice out, all wearing cloaks or raincoats. Captain Rex came out soon afterwards, followed by Fives.
"So, these new Clones," Connor said to Captain Rex as they moved through the cold rain. "I hear that they're new Clone Commandos, like Gregor."
"That's right," Ahsoka said. "It will be nice to have more Elite Teams on the Field with us," the Togruta went on as she inspected the Upgraded Tipoca City. "A lot has changed since our last visit here."
Captain Rex nodded. "We can't risk any more break-ins on Kamino," the Clone Captain said. "For the sake of our Brothers and the sake of the Republic, all armies must be kept safe from now on."
"And with the ORDER and the DarkSiders here, we can't take any further chances," Fives added on. "I just hope that these new Shinies will be able to have what it takes to fight with us."
"What are 'Shinies'?" Zatanna asked.
"A Shiny is a new Clone Trooper who came out from the Batch, with fresh new armor, Shiny Armor, hence the name," Rex explained. "Fives was once a Shiny, as well as Echo, and after their Battle on the Rishi Moon, their armor was battle-scarred, and with the Field Experience they had, they were no longer Shinies."
Connor nodded. "Okay, that makes sense," the Boy of Steel said before a thought came into his head. "Who's Echo?" he asked all of a sudden.
Fives sighed. "Echo was a Brother of mine who survived the Rishi Moon Attack," the 501st ARC Trooper said. "However, on our mission to rescue Jedi Master Even Piell, he sacrificed himself to allow us to complete the Mission, just like Hevy did for us on the Rishi Moon, taking him and an Army of one-thousand Droids with him, saving Kamino from Grievous and Ventress," Fives explained. "O-of course, before she joined you, and became a member of your Young Justice, I mean." Fives added on, clearing things up.
The Young Justice nodded before approaching Prime Minister Lama Su and Madame Nala Se walked out.
"Greetings, Minister Su and Madame Se. It is an honor to see you again," Ahsoka said as she and the Young Justice bowed with respect. "How goes the development of new Clones?"
"The honor is all ours, Padawan Tano," Nala Se replied back. "Thanks to you and the Young Justice, we were able to keep Kamino safe from any further attack, let it be the Separatists, the Light, the ORDER, or the DarkSiders."
Lama Su nodded and looked to Captain Rex and Fives. "I am pleased that our finest Clones were able to make it here," the Prime Minister said in a friendly tone. "Our newest line of Clone Commandos is ready, but, given their unorthodox training, I believe it wise to let two Specialists train them." Lama Su explained.
Captain Rex and Fives both nodded. "Will do," Fives said. "Just show us where they are, and we'll take care of the rest."
Lama Su and Nala Se nodded. "Of course," Nala Se said before turning around, back to Tipoca City. "Right this way." She said, directing everyone inside.
Inside of Tipoca City, the Young Justice looked around to see all of the Clone Pods grow around them.
"Here they are," Connor said bluntly. "My Brothers, all being born the same way I was: in Pods."
M'gann sighed and patted Superboy on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Connor," the young Martian said with reassurance. "In time, they'll find their place just like you did. They'll be free to do whatever they want when they're done with the War."
Nala Se sighed. "I hate to inform you, Miss Martian, but we have other uses for these Clones when the War comes to a halt," the Kaminoan said. "They were grown here, and therefore, their fates will be decided by us, the very people who created them."
Superboy scoffed. "Funny," he remarked. "When I came out of my Pod, I was free to do whatever I wanted," the Boy of Steel spat. "If you think I'm about to become some sort of servant for you, then you've got another thing coming to you."
Captain Rex and Fives both turned to Connor as he glared at the two Kaminoans. Both were taken back by surprise before Superboy walked up ahead, with the rest of the Young Justice following him.
"Please forgive us," Nala Se said. "We did not mean to offend you."
"Well, you did," Connor spat. "And even though you apologized this time and the time when we were last here, it's still unnerving to see all of these Clones treated like weapons." Superboy said.
Rex and Fives sighed as they started to catch up with Ahsoka and the Young Justice.
"Now, if you would follow us," Lama Su said as he directed everyone to the Training Room. "We would like to show you our new Commando Team, who we dubbed as the Bad Batch."
In the Citadel Room, Clone Commandos were blasting down Droids, and new to the Program, the Generals of the ORDER.
The Young Justice, Captain Rex, Fives and Lama Su looked down to them as the Clone Commandos charged through the brigade.
Each of the Clone Commandos had Dark Purple streaks on their Armor. Only one of them had twin pistols, and was proceeding to shoot a Droid disguised as Syrena into submission. A Battle Droid fired at him, but the Commando with Pistols kicked the remains of a fallen Droid in front of him, letting it take the hit. After a series of shooting rapidly, the same Clone tossed the Droid towards the one shooting at him before looking to a Sniper Droid on the Top of the Citadel. He aimed one of his Pistols at the Droid and shot a single blast, causing it to fall.
"Topshot, catch!" the Clone called out, tossing his Blaster Pistol towards another one of the Clone Commandos.
A Clone Commando with a custom scope on his visor smashed a Droid and caught the Blaster Pistol, using it with his own to destroy several other Droids.
"Pyro, you're up!" Topshot yelled to another Clone Commando.
This Clone Commando, Pyro, ran towards more Droids as the Commandos made their way closer to the Citadel. He tossed a Grenade to the Droid Army, causing them to explode.
"We've got Rollers!" another Clone Commando called out as Droidekas arrived. "What's the plan, Hawkeye?"
"You should know me by now, Trig," the Leader of the Commando Squad, Hawkeye, said. "We never have a plan!"
Trig laughed. "Just what I wanted to hear, Hawk!" he exclaimed before taking out his Grappling Hook. "Look out, Clankers!" he called out, tying up the Droids.
"Carver, make some art!" Hawkeye ordered another Commando.
The Clone Commando next to Hawkeye, Carver, chuckled and unsheathed his Blaster. He shot repeatedly at each of the Droids, forming the Symbol of the Republic.
"Turrets," a Clone Commando named Mute said. "What now?"
"What else?" Trig asked. "Silence them."
Mute chuckled and sent a blast towards each of the Turrets.
The Young Justice, Captain Rex and Fives all watched, waiting for something to happen.
"Hmm," Rocket mused. "I thought it would be louder."
At that moment, a Sonic Wave spread out, causing sound waves to emit. Everyone covered their ears in pain before the Turrets took aim at the Commandos. Much to everyone's surprise, none of them fired.
"Good job, Mute!" a Clone Commando named Stitch exclaimed. "Now, let's go!"
The Clone Commandos started to use the Turrets to get to the top of the Citadel. Once they were on top, they grabbed the flag, and the two Bounty Hunters who oversaw the Citadel Program, Bric and El-Les, applauded.
"They sure seem impressive." Ahsoka commented.
"Yeah," Fives nodded. "I just don't see what the big deal with them is, or why we need to oversee them when they're already doing just fine."
"The problem with them is that they're too unorthodox," Bric said as he and El-Les walked over. "We've had them go through the Book thousands of time, even made sure to repeat it enough that it was engraved into their brains, but they're always finding some sort of other way around the Standard Procedure. They're alright, but if they are able to take orders from Jedi on the Battlefield, I'm feeling doubtful."
The Young Justice all looked to one another with confusion. "Um, can you define what you mean when you say 'unorthodox'?" Ahsoka asked.
"They fight almost like you," Bric explained. "I'm not saying that's a bad thing, it's just that no matter what, they never follow orders."
"That is why we called you here, Rex and Fives," El-Les explained. "We thought that Specialist Clone Troopers from the 501st Battalion could teach them how to fight in the same way Domino Squad did."
"Domino Squad?" Artemis asked as she removed her helmet. "You mean, the same Squad that Fives came from?"
Fives nodded. "I'm the only one left of them now," he explained. "If I fall, then, as you say on Earth, the Last Domino Falls."
Every Young Justice Member from Earth-16 nodded at this. "So, who are these guys?" Superboy asked, clearly amused.
"The Bad Batch, as we like to call them," Nala Se explained. "They are full of their own ideas, and have a lack of respect for taking orders," the Kaminoan Medic motioned her hand to each Member of the Bad Batch. "Their leader is Hawkeye, for his excellent performance in gunmanship. Their Medic is Stitch, who managed to heal most of our Clones with his own creative thought processes. Topshot is known to be their best sniper, second to Hawkeye. Carver considers himself to be an Artist, always making work of the damage he inflicts on his enemies," Nala Se paused before going on. "Mute is the Silent Type. He created his own Detonator that is capable of silencing and discharging any kind of weapon. Trig is the smartest Clone of the Bad Batch, being able to solve the best of situations with the most illogical solutions. Last, we have Pyro, who likes big explosions, and disarmed a reengineered Bomb originally used by the ORDER on Felucia in literally five seconds. Although their talents are exceptional, we have found them to be considered a bad batch for their ingenuity and somewhat sanity, hence their name, the Bad Batch."
"But we can make the best of this Squad, right?" Connor asked. "I mean, it's not impossible to do, so it can be done easily."
Bric sighed as he held his hand up and walked away. "I give up," he confessed. "They find a way around even my Programs, forcing me to push them to their limits, and yet, they don't understand the Meaning of a Sacrifice for War," Bric complained before El-Les followed him. "You can teach this Bad Batch whatever you want. Good luck." He said sarcastically as he and El-Les left the room.
Rex raised an eyebrow as Fives looked down to the Monitor. "Even though they used strange tactics to get through, they beat our record!" Fives exclaimed. "At least, by ten seconds, of course." Fives added on after seeing everyone look to him with shock.
Rex chuckled. "Okay, ARC Commander Colt is dead, so we're the judges of their performances," Rex said as he walked up. "I say we take them into the field on whatever current Mission is available and see what they're made of."
Ahsoka's jaw dropped. "You sure about that, Rex?" she asked.
"You heard what Bric said!" Kid Flash exclaimed.
"Bric didn't understand me and Domino Squad at first, but when he saw how we did in action, his mind was changed," Fives spoke up. "And when we stopped the Separatists on the Rishi Moon, Echo and I were inducted into the 501st. At that point, we were no longer Shinies."
Ahsoka nodded. "I think that sounds reasonable," she said. "This Bad Batch, is that what they were called?" Ahsoka then asked for reassurance. Everyone, including Lama Su and Nala Se, nodded, letting her continue. "The Bad Batch managed to beat the record, and they certainly have what it takes, fighting like a real NEST Team, if you catch my drift."
Lama Su, Nala Se, Captain Rex and Fives all looked to one another before looking back to Ahsoka.
"What is a NEST Team?" Lama Su asked.
"Oh, well you see, Michael Bay gave me the exclusive look at the first three Trans—" Ahsoka started off, but soon abandoned her explanation after sighing in defeat. "Never mind, too difficult to understand anyways." She drawled before looking to see the Bad Batch make their way up into the Room.
"Whoa!" Hawkeye exclaimed. "Commander Ahsoka Tano, what a surprise," Hawkeye said. "And the Young Justice too, what an honor!" he exclaimed.
The Young Justice smiled and either waved or saluted back to the Bad Batch Clones while Connor walked up to them with his hand out.
"Nice to meet you," Superboy said. "You might already know I'm a Clone, just like you."
"Well, we could never forget it, none of us, not even the Cadets," Topshot said while Hawkeye took the chance to shake Superboy's hand. "Every Front Line Trooper, every Shiny, every Clone has been told about how you saved Kamino from the ORDER, and basically, Connor Kent, you are a Legend, a force to be reckoned with."
Superboy chuckled. "Thank you, all of you," he said with a smile. "And from what I've seen you do in that Citadel Run, I think you just might be ready to go into the Field." The Boy of Steel stated.
The Bad Batch all smiled and readied their Blasters in front of their chests. "It would be an honor to fight alongside you." Hawkeye said respectfully.
"Well, that remains to be seen," Lama Su spoke up. "I will need to confirm that they are ready for going out into the Field."
Ahsoka scoffed and walked up to the Prime Minister. "You've already got your confirmation," she said with her hand on her hip. "From Commander Ahsoka Tano, B-10."
The Prime Minister nodded. "I understand," he said before sending a nod to Nala Se. Nala Se nodded back before they looked back to the Young Justice and the Clones of the 501st. "You are clear to go, then," Lama Su stated. "Whatever Mission there is, you can take the Bad Batch with you on it."
Ahsoka, Rex, Connor and Fives all nodded as the two Kaminoans walked off.
"They seem… bitter today, don't they?" Gerrera mused.
"It's almost as if they're hiding something," Serra pointed out. "But I just don't know what it is."
Captain Rex shrugged. "Well, I, for one, don't know what's going on, but I'm not going to wait and find out," he said before looking to Ahsoka. "Are we going or what?" the Clone Captain asked.
Ahsoka nodded. "Let's get a move on," she ordered to the Young Justice and the Bad Batch. "The sooner we know what our next Mission is, the better."
Everyone chattered, agreeing with what Ahsoka proposed.
Soon, Ahsoka and the Young Justice came into a room with Lama Su and Nala Se. A hologram of Anakin Skywalker appeared before them all.
"Hey there, Snips, how's it going?" Anakin asked. "Everything alright on Kamino with those new Clone Trooper Commandos I've been hearing so much about?"
"We're doing fine, Skyguy, trust me," Ahsoka said. "We have arrived on Kamino, and, after seeing these new Clone Commandos in action, I believe, as well as Captain Rex and ARC Trooper Fives, that they are ready for some time on the field."
Lama Su nodded. "These Clones, the Bad Batch, Jedi Knight Skywalker, have proven to be most resourceful in battle," the Prime Minister explained as he supported Ahsoka's claim. "With all of the Jedi Generals busy in the War, and with little Clone Trooper support, we decided to come to you to know if there are any available Missions."
Anakin started to think about this. "Well, now that you mention it, there's something that we could use your help looking into," Anakin explained as he started to pace around. "Admiral Yularen has recently told us about a strange occurrence happening on the same Planet he was trained at, Anaxes," Anakin started out. "Several unidentified Ships have been going there, and up until now, we didn't know who was behind it," Anakin added on before showing a hologram of the Planet of Anaxes. "Our sources alerted us that it is the Separatists who are behind this, and with most of our Forces spread thin, we at least need a small squad to check it out, considering Master Obi-Wan and I are already dealing with a little problem of our own," Anakin Skywalker added on as he placed his hand to his chin. "There may more trouble than we hoped for on Anaxes, and it might just be the Field Mission you can expect, but all of you, be careful, and be safe."
Ahsoka nodded as all of the Bad Batch Clone Troopers looked to each other with grins on their faces. "Alright!" Pyro exclaimed. "A chance to get to know what it feels like fighting on the Front Lines, at last!"
"Don't get too overconfident over there," Anakin warned. "We've learned that a Separatist General, Atticus Farstar, was last seen near Anaxes, but we lost visual contact with him twelve hours ago," Anakin stated. "We believe that he may be leading the Separatists on that Planet," Anakin added on. "Don't underestimate him, though, he's one of the most Dangerous Separatists in the CIS," Anakin said cautiously before looking to Ahsoka. "Go and find out what's going on, but be careful." The Chosen One added on.
Ahsoka chuckled. "I will, Master Skywalker," Ahsoka said as she let out a smile. "No need to worry about me, we'll be fine," Ahsoka added on before looking to her friends. "Well, let's not waste any time," she said to everyone. "We're going to Anaxes, and we'll put a stop to whatever's going on there."
Anakin nodded. "May the Force be with you." He said with a salute before signing off.
Everyone nodded in agreement before Lama Su and Nala Se let them all out, where everyone started getting into the Bioship. Miss Martian smiled as she soon got everything ready, and in a matter of minutes, they took off, now on a path to the Planet of Anaxes.
The moment they left, Lama Su and Nala Se walked out. They looked to the Young Justice, as well as all of the Clone Troopers, and sent them a nod, in which they all nodded back. The two Kaminoans soon made their way back inside as the Bioship took off.
"I believe that they are now ready." Lama Su stated.
"I agree, Prime Minister," Nala Se said, as the two started to walk back inside of Tipoca City. "Just like Domino Squad, they have gotten further than we could have ever hoped."
In Space, the Bioship was resting as Miss Martian plotted a course for Anaxes.
"This is going to be one Hell of a Ride, wouldn't you say, Stitch?" Topshot asked.
"You know me, Topshot," Stitch said while checking out his Blaster. "I love being in the field, especially when the matter is urgent."
Connor chuckled before a chime came in through the Bioship's Comm Systems.
"Alright," Miss Martian reported. "I have the coordinates for Anaxes set," the young Martian reported. "Prepare the Jump to Lightspeed."
Everyone nodded as they started to strap in. Miss Martian prepped the Bioship, and soon enough, they were all off.
As the Bioship left, another Ship arrived. The Pilot inside started to punch in the same coordinates, and dashed off after them immediately.
Back on Kamino, Nala Se and Lama Su entered a dark room. Once they arrived inside, a hologram of a hooded figure appeared before them. The image was made out to be a bit static at first, but it soon cleared up, revealing the figure not to be the Kaminoans' usual contact, Darth Tyranus, but his Master, Darth Sidious.
"Forgive the intrusion, Lord Sidious," Lama Su started out. "But the new Clone Commandos, under leadership of ARC Clone Captain Rex and ARC Trooper Fives, as well as the Young Justice, have arrived, and with the permission from Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, they have taken the Commandos, and are on their way to Anaxes against your orders."
Darth Sidious snarled at the two Kaminoans. "Do they suspect anything?" Sidious asked.
Nala Se shook her head. "How shall we proceed?" the Kaminoan Medic asked.
"I shall alert Lord Tyranus immediately," Sidious said. "If these Clone Commandos wish to discover what it's like out on the Battlefield, I'll make sure they get their wish," Darth Sidious stated. "When they die on Anaxes for their overconfidence, they will all know what it is like to go down fighting for a Just Cause."
"We understand, Lord Sidious," Lama Su said as he and Nala Se bowed. "We respect your command."
Darth Sidious sent the two a devious grin before signing off.
In Hyperspace, Artemis was running the Bad Batch through some Battles that had happened both on Earth-16 and during their time in the Expanded Universe. All of the Bad Batch Clones watched with amazement as they watched the Young Justice take on the League of Shadows for the first time on Santa Prisca before seeing them fight off against the Bialyan Soldiers in the Desert.
"One essential part of a Covert Op is Radio Silence," Captain Rex explained as he walked in front of the Bad Batch with his arms behind his back. "All enemies have their own way of tracking down communications, so you will need to rely on your own wit and strength to survive when the situation becomes dire."
"If you are ever in trouble, send a flare into the sky to let your Commanding Officer know where you are," Fives took the turn to explain. "Each Republic Clone Flare Gun has a unique signature to it. Do not worry about the Separatists or the ORDER using it to track you down, because once that flare goes up, several more will spread out, allowing the enemy to get confused. Only your Commanding Officer will know the right flare to track down. You will only get one shot, so be careful about when you shoot." Fives added on.
Ahsoka smiled as she over heard this while looking over the file of General Atticus Farstar. "Okay, looks like the Zuko type crossed with an Admiral Zhao," Ahsoka joked. "It says here that, he had studied all of the Tactics used by the Rebel Forces during the Battle of Onderon," Ahsoka read on. "He invented a Super Tactical Droid known as Kalani, a Droid who killed Sanjay Rash. At the time, he was at the Rank of a Commandant, and was promoted to Captain after…" Ahsoka paused before her eyes started to widen with shock. "After he headed the Covert Droid Infiltration of Earth-16, at least a month ago!" Ahsoka exclaimed. "He even used the Data gained to create an Organic Elite Army for the Separatists known as the Onslaught." Ahsoka read on, causing some of the Earth-16 Members of the Young Justice to look to her.
"Let me see this," Lux said as he walked over to read the file. "They have a Base set up in Qurac on Earth-16, and in the Expanded Universe, their Base is… classified." Lux finished up with a sigh.
"Well, we'd better tell Fox that the information Shu Mai provided us was at least somewhat useful," Serra mused while rolling her eyes. "All we've been led to was about everything we needed to know about Farstar, as well as this new group known as Onslaught."
Ahsoka nodded and turned to Lux. "Lux, I know that you were once a Senator of the Separatists," the Togruta said. "Do you have any personal experiences or relationships with Atticus that could help us?"
Lux nodded. "Farstar was a friend of my Father's," Rebel explained. "He shared the same ideals that my Mother and Senator Amidala had, feeling that the fighting in the War was pointless, and wanted it to come to an end," Lux went on before letting out a sigh. "But I think that, after the fall of my Parents, he went to extremes, and with their deaths, he abandoned his belief. I just can't believe he would have been the one to send those Droids to Earth last year."
Captain Rex stepped up. "So, Atticus was responsible for the Droids sent to Earth?" the Clone Captain asked.
Ahsoka nodded. "It seems so," the Togruta replied. "Listen, Rex, this Bad Batch group, they'd better not take this Mission lightly, or else Atticus will kill them the minute he gets the chance."
Miss Martian sighed. "Okay, we're coming out of Hyperspace," the young Martian reported. "Though, I sense that there are Separatist Control Ships around Anaxes, which will make our job damn harder."
"Maybe we should have hijacked a Sepie Shuttle to help us get through," Mute suggested. "I mean, that's what happened at the Battle of Lola Sayu, right?" the Bad Batch Clone Trooper asked.
Fives sighed. "Lola Sayu," he said. "The same place Echo died at."
Battle of Lola Sayu…
"This is our only chance! We've got to stop it!" Echo called out as he ran towards a Separatist Shuttle.
"Echo, no!" Fives called out as a Turret destroyed the Separatist Shuttle, taking Echo with it.
Present…
"We've heard the tales," Hawkeye said. "With him gone, and his sacrifice leading to your success on the Rescue Mission, you're the Last of the Dominoes."
Topshot sighed. "Your actions, as a whole of Domino Squad, was what led us to use these kinds of tactics," the Clone Sniper stated. "Though the Kaminoans solely refer to us as just Clones, we feel that we're meant to be the Legacy of Domino Squad, according to what the Man in the Shadows says," Topshot said as everyone, except for the Bad Batch, all looked to Topshot with confusion. "Man, that Brother knew how to give us inspiration."
"Who's the Man in the Shadows?" Miss Martian asked.
"And why do you call him a Brother?" Superboy asked further on.
Stitch sighed. "Well, you see, it's just an assumption," the Clone Medic said. "He has our same voice, always uses the term 'General' before addressing a Jedi's name, and gave us the right motivation to help get through the Citadel Program," Stitch explained. "So far, and at the moment, apparently, we, the Bad Batch, Captain Rex, ARC Trooper Fives, Commanders Ahsoka Tano and Serra Keto Shan, and the Young Justice know about him," Stitch went on. "You know, after we told you about him."
"So another Clone Trooper," Ahsoka deducted. "Interesting."
"Here we are," Miss Martian said. "Cloaking the Bioship now."
Everyone looked to M'gann as they came out of Hyperspace, seeing many Federation Ships surrounding Anaxes.
"Looks like the Separatist Work, alright," Captain Rex said. "We'll finish our talk about this Man in the Shadows later, but for now, we need to stop this Army on Anaxes."
Hawkeye nodded and looked to the Bad Batch. "This is our first Field Mission, Brothers," Hawkeye said. "We can't afford to fail now, or else, we'll be dooming the entire Republic."
Superboy grinned before he narrowed his eyes at one of the Federation Ships.
"Everyone, lock it or lose it," Ahsoka ordered to the Young Justice. She turned her attention to Connor and narrowed her eyes. "Is something wrong, Superboy?" she asked.
"Tell Count Dooku that our plan is working perfectly," a British voice said from a transmission going to a Neimoidian inside of the Federation Ship. "The Supply Lines that run through Anaxes will be cut off, and my Onslaught will take care of any kinds of incoming Forces that will try and stop us," the voice went on. "They don't stand a chance against our kind of firepower."
"Superboy!" Ahsoka yelled, causing Connor to gasp. Connor panted and picked up his ARC Trooper Helmet and placed it onto his head, letting it fit onto his face and adjust so that no one else could see it.
"What? What? I'm here!" Superboy exclaimed worryingly.
"You look sorta jumpy there, Connor," Ahsoka noted as she and Miss Martian walked over with Artemis taking control. "Something wrong?"
"I picked up on a Transmission coming down from the Planet," Superboy reported. "I think that Atticus's planning to cut off all Supply Routes that run through Anaxes, and has some sort of secret weapon with the Onslaught, which can allow them to stop anything that comes their way." The Boy of Steel said.
"The Separatists have become crazily prepared now," noted Captain Rex. "It's like they've been running the same defense scenarios that the Republic has been training for," the Clone Captain went on. "But I'm wondering how they can do that when the Republic has a heavy security."
"Had a Heavy Security," Ahsoka corrected. "Argyus easily infiltrated the Senate Commandos, Slick was paid by Ventress before she turned good, Cad Bane led Bounty Hunters into the Senate with ease, as well as infiltrated the Jedi Temple, Dooku sent Droids into Coruscant's Power Station for a Suicide Mission, and no one can forget how easy it was for the ORDER to get into the Chancellor's Office and kidnap him," Ahsoka pointed out. "Now that I think about those events, I'm starting to get damn tired of getting infiltrated so easily, and I want answers as to how this is being pulled off."
"In other words, a Traitor in the Republic," Trig deducted. "You'd have to have a lot of badges and trust to have gained those, or else it wouldn't even be possible."
Serra nodded. "I'll let the Jedi Council and the Supreme Chancellor know about this new problem," the Shan said. "But for now, let's focus on the Mission. We can't let Farstar get away from us."
Everyone nodded as Miss Martian piloted the Bioship directly towards Anaxes. Vulture Droids flew out from the Federation Ships to inspect the Airspace, and considering the Martian Bioship was cloaked, none of the Separatist Sensors managed to pick up their signature.
As soon as the Martian Bioship got past the Blockade of Federation Ships, the Young Justice and the Clones all looked down to the surface of Anaxes, looking at it in its glory.
"Yet another Planet that's just like Earth, huh?" Zatanna asked. She shrugged and let out a playful scoff. "Hmm, what are the odds?"
Ahsoka nodded before Connor looked out the window with Topshot. "Okay, guys," Ahsoka said to the two Clones. "What are we seeing here?" she asked.
"A lot," Topshot replied back. "Sepie Bases are everywhere on the Mountains, and so far, there are only MagnaGuards and Destroyers on the ground." Topshot explained.
Superboy nodded. "Yeah, Topshot's right," the Boy of Steel responded. "This Atticus guy sure chose a great place to set up a base. It's difficult to see anything going on down there with Droids marching through the streets."
Ahsoka sighed. "Well, Atticus might be expecting us," she said before reaching into a bag she had, causing everyone to turn to her. "So the least we can do is get ready, and hope that none of us dies." Ahsoka concluded as she took out a big dark-colored blaster with some glowing cartridges on it.
"Um, Commander Tano," Fives spoke up. "What is that?"
Ahsoka looked down to the blaster she had and cocked it. "Oh, this?" she asked. "Oh, well, you see, back when the Malevolence was still considered a threat, we engineered with its Plasma Cannon, and created this while I was on Earth-16," Ahsoka started to explain. "Also, it's combined with some strength of the DNGS Bomb that the ORDER tried to use on Felucia, combined with the strength of all Clone Rifles combined, and the radiation that leaked off from Trigon while I was exiled on Earth-16 too," Ahsoka explained. "And from what the Scientists at STAR Labs told me, it packs quite a punch."
Topshot grinned and walked over. Ahsoka smiled and handed the Blaster to him. "So, what does it do?" the Gunman of the Bad Batch asked.
"Even I don't know," Ahsoka replied with a shrug. "But… if it packs that much power, then… I still don't know what it does." Ahsoka added on smugly.
Rex chuckled before he turned his attention to Miss Martian. "So, where should we land?" the Clone Captain asked.
"I'm setting a course for the Alleyway down in the town," M'gann explained. "There, the Bioship will be cloaked, we can carry on with the Mission, and if we're ever in trouble, I can always call it to pick us up." Miss Martian added on.
"Sounds like a plan," Trig mused. "But, with all due respect, we tend to improvise our way through, and come up with the plan while we're in action." Trig said.
Connor grinned. "That's the way we work too," the Boy of Steel stated smugly. "But I think that, overtime, you'll grow to learn that the Best Defense in your strategy is in fact, just a Strong Offense," Connor pointed out before patting Trig on the shoulder. "You'll understand over time."
"I think we already get it," Pyro said. "But if it were up to me to decide whether to risk the Fate of the Republic, I'd lay down my life to protect everyone, no matter what it takes."
M'gann chuckled. "That's what we like to hear," she said before lowering the Bioship. "Now, if we are to get past the Droids and arrest Atticus, we have to be careful. We can't have any slip-ups."
Ahsoka nodded. "Young Justice, get into Stealth Mode ver. 2," Ahsoka ordered. "Rex, Fives, you lead the Bad Batch alongside us, but they're your responsibilities," Ahsoka told Rex and Fives. "I may have authorized this Mission, but I will terminate it should anything go wrong."
"No need to worry, Ahsoka," Rex said. "I'll get this Bad Batch into shape just like I did with Domino Squad."
"Yeah, don't worry," Trig said. "We know all the rules. We just have to try our best to follow the orders."
Fives sighed. "Domino Squad…" he thought to himself. "Echo…"
Rishi Moon…
"Uh…shouldn't you be watching your scope, Hevy?" Fives asked Hevy as the Clone Trooper of the Domino Squad was keeping guard at the Monitors.
"Yeah, let's take a look. Hmm, what ya know? All clear. Just like the last hundred times I looked at it." Hevy drawled.
"Personally, I like that it's so quiet out here. I can catch up on the Reg Manuals." Echo said to his Brothers while they guarded the Republic Outpost on the Rishi Moon.
"Echo, what is wrong with you? We should be on the front lines, blasting droids." Hevy asked, obviously not liking having to watch over an Outpost ever since they aced the Citadel Challenge.
"Aw, leave him alone. They've kept him in his Growth Jar too long." Cutup teased while rolling his eyes.
Present…
Rex looked to Fives and placed his hand on Fives's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry," Captain Rex said. "On Earth, it's said that it's a rarity to be the Last of your Kind," Rex said with enthusiasm. "I'm sure that Echo would be feeling just the same way as you right now."
Fives nodded. "You're right," he said with a sudden smile on his face. "Every day, with every Battle, I honor Domino Squad just as much as every other Clone does," Fives said. "And I'll never forget that. I'll never forget what Domino Squad did for the Republic, and how we're going to do the same with the Bad Batch."
"There's an ARC Trooper for you, Boys," Connor said. "We're never fighting alone. Somewhere, other Clones die for us, making sure that the Republic is kept safe from any danger. We are the Last Line of Defense for the Republic, we… are the Brothers that can never be kept apart."
"YEAH!" the Bad Batch cheered, but not too loud for the enemies to hear.
Ahsoka smiled at this. "I'll be with the Young Justice, Connor," the Togruta told the Boy of Steel. "If you want, you can go with Rex, Fives and the Bad Batch to keep them company," Ahsoka suggested. "I don't want to keep Brothers apart. I don't want to keep any family apart from each other." Ahsoka added on with a confident smile on her face and a wink to Superboy.
Superboy nodded as he ran off with the Clone Troopers. "Are we ready?" he asked as he got into Stealth Mode.
"Ready, we are," Rex replied before turning his attention to Fives and the Bad Batch. "Alright, move out, but prevent yourselves from getting spotted."
All of the Clone Troopers nodded and marched off, with Superboy and Rex leading them.
Ahsoka smiled and looked to the rest of the Young Justice. "Alright, they know what their task is, we know ours," Ahsoka said. She turned her head to Miss Martian. "M'gann, before any of us forgets, establish the Psychic Link."
M'gann nodded. "Understood," the Martian female said telepathically. "Setting up Psychic Link now. Is everyone connected?"
"Thanks for the Link, M'gann," Connor called out as he and Rex continued to lead the Clone Troopers. "I'm good."
"I'm set here too." Rex announced.
"Connected." Fives reported.
"Whoa, this is incredible!" Hawkeye exclaimed as he and the rest of the Bad Batch felt the Psychic Link. "I mean, we're set up too!"
Ahsoka chuckled. "I can tell you're excited, Hawkeye," the Togruta teased. "I'm set."
"All ready here." Robin called in.
"Online." Aqualad spoke up mentally.
"Kid Flash, ready."
"Artemis, set."
"Zatanna here."
"Rocket connected."
"Rebel, ready."
"All good to go." Serra reported.
"Feeling good." Drol announced.
"And never better." Gerrera finished up.
"Let's go." Ahsoka ordered the Young Justice. The Young Justice, minus Superboy, all nodded as they ran off onto the rooftops, turning invisible immediately as they started to enter their Stealth Modes. No one on the ground or in the air could see them. Their Ghost Modes were completely invisible and impenetrable to the naked eye.
Inside of the main Separatist Base on Anaxes, Separatist General Atticus Farstar overlooked all of the operations. The Republic Naval College was now currently releasing all of the Prisoners of War, and Droids marched through the streets while the citizens hid away in their homes in fear.
Atticus grinned before he walked back into the Base. A hologram of Count Dooku appeared before him as he knelt down on his knees.
"General Farstar," Dooku said as he looked down to Atticus. "How goes the intrusion of the Republic's Supply Lines?" Count Dooku asked.
"My Master, my Elite Soldiers, the Anti-Young Justice, if you will, the Onslaught, have successfully infiltrated Anaxes from the inside and made sure that the way for my army was paved," Atticus reported. "As of now, the only ones who know of this operation are me, the Onslaught, you, and Lord Sidious," Farstar said. "The Republic will only be hearing from this Planet that nothing out of the ordinary has happened, and even if they do find out, they will never get past my Army or the Onslaught waiting for them."
Count Dooku nodded. "I see, General Farstar," Dooku replied back. "But Lord Sidious has just told me that the Young Justice discovered what is going on here, that you have taken over Anaxes," Dooku explained. "The one thing they don't know, however, is that the Onslaught will be waiting for them once they arrive."
Atticus Farstar nodded. "Understood, Count," Atticus said in response. "I will alert the Onslaught to get ready for the Young Justice when they try to strike."
Count Dooku grinned evilly. "Very well done, General," the Count congratulated dryly. "Clone Troopers have also come with them. If they prove a problem, eliminate them, but take the Martian or any member vital to the Young Justice alive if you can," Dooku ordered. "If you are able to pull that off and the Planet is taken, bring the hostage back to your Base on Skako Minor and await further orders."
"This is the will of Lord Sidious, I take it?" Atticus asked as he continued to kneel before the Sith.
"THIS… is my Master's Command." Dooku replied back.
"Then so it shall be done." Atticus said.
Dooku's hologram faded away before Atticus got back onto his feet, looking through the hidden cameras in the city. The Young Justice was nowhere in sight, but he did see Rex and Fives leading the Bad Batch, but not Superboy in his Ghost Mode.
"Was Count Dooku misinformed about the Young Justice being here?" Atticus asked when he saw only the Clones. "All I see is that Squad of ARC Troopers and the two Clones from the 501st," Atticus noted before looking to the shadows. "In case I'm not the one mistaken, check it out, and when approached with hostile force, do as instructed in your exercises."
Our from the shades came a Bothan Male, a Human Male and Female, a Zabrak Male, an Umbaran Female, a Geonosian armed with a sword and blaster, another male, this one injected with Kobra Venom in him, and a Trandoshan Female armed with a rifle.
"Onslaught, can I trust you to get the job done?" Atticus asked.
The Bothan stepped up and grinned while his eyes glowed. "You don't have to ask, General Farstar," the Bothan said with madness in his voice. "We're always ready to get the job done."
Atticus nodded before he sent the Onslaught off, now starting to camouflage with their surroundings and going down to the city.
Meanwhile, down below, Trig ran towards a corner of the alley he and the rest of the Clones were in. Before they turned, Trig took out a periscope and pressed it, turning it invisible. After doing that, he attached it to his binoculars and started to look around.
"Alright, Trig, what have we got?" Rex asked.
"A couple of Clankers," Trig reported. "Two Droidekas, one Super Battle Droid, and a MagnaGuard. They're all guarding a heavily-armed facility."
Hawkeye chuckled and looked to Mute. "Mind making sure they clank no more?" The Commander of the Bad Batch asked.
"Sure," Mute replied. "I hate the noise of Clankers anyways." Mute spat before taking out a small grenade.
Superboy looked to it and raised an eyebrow. It wasn't like the others he had seen before. This one was red instead of white, and there was an Aurebesh writing on it that said "Silence" on it. It was small at first, but when Mute clicked it, it suddenly became bigger.
"What's that?" Connor asked Topshot.
"Mute invented that little beauty," Topshot explained. "He calls it the Clear Energy Neutron Sound Omni Remover Solely Harnessed In Peril, also known as the CENSORSHIP Bomb."
"I always like to censor everything I hate to hear." Mute quipped, tossing his CENSORSHIP Bomb towards the Droids.
Connor turned invisible and ran quietly to see the CENSORSHIP Bomb in action. Rex and Fives turned the corner to see the bomb as well. It made no tracks, but let out some silent beeps that only Connor could hear.
"Nothing's happening!" Connor called out on worriment.
"Wait for it…" Mute said, counting down with his fingers. "Three, two, one."
A high-pitched noise soon came out from the CENSORSHIP Bomb, getting everyone to cover their ears. All Droids in their area started to spark with electricity before shutting down. The door to the facility they were guarding opened automatically, getting Superboy and the Clones to smile.
"Wow," Connor mused. "That packs quite a punch."
"And it can also censor sound waves too," Mute bragged. "Never got into the Field for testing until now, though."
Topshot chuckled and looked to the Blaster Ahsoka gave to him earlier. "That's a nice toy, Mute," Topshot complimented as he looked to his Blaster. "But I still don't know what this does."
"Well, I think we'll find out soon enough," Fives stated before placing his hand to his head. "ARC Trooper Fives to Commander Ahsoka Tano, we've found a heavily-guarded facility down here," Fives reported. "What should we do?"
"Reg Manual Question, Fives," Ahsoka replied back. "Wait for backup and await further orders."
Fives sighed. "Reminding me of Echo there," Fives teased. "We'll wait until you get here and then move on," the ARC Trooper said. "How far away are you from downtown?"
"Give us at least five minutes," M'gann said as she tapped into the conversation. "We've got some Droids where we are too."
"Stay where you are, and try not to draw attention to yourselves," Ahsoka ordered. "We'll be there as fast as we can."
Rex and Fives both nodded. "Understood, Ahsoka," Rex replied. "We'll be right here, standing by."
"I'll stay in Ghost Mode and try to scan the facility for any signs if unusual energy," Superboy said to the rest of the Young Justice. "If either me or the Bad Batch catches anything out of the ordinary, we'll update you."
Ahsoka nodded. "Do that," she ordered as she and the rest of the Young Justice used their Ghost Modes to Phase through the Droids, getting the Droids confused as their bodies shook. "We're on our way."
Superboy nodded and signed off from the Psychic Transmission. He and Trig started to scan the building as much as they could with the area they had already.
"I can only see what's on the Ground Level and vaguely see what's above," the Boy of Steel reported. "Trig, what are you getting?"
"Plenty," Trig replied. "My Enhanced Scope allows me to see what's on the Ground Level and above and under," Trig explained. "I can see into the entire building."
Rex, Fives and Connor all grinned. "IMPRESSIVE!" They all complimented at once.
Trig grinned before continuing to scan the building. "I'm picking up high-energy residue from inside," Trig reported. "Signatures match the readings from the Khyber Crystal used on Utapau."
"How come we've never been told about this one?" Ahsoka's voice suddenly asked.
Superboy Rex, Fives, and the Bad Batch Clones all turned to see Ahsoka with the Young Justice.
"First Xion mentioned it, now this," Ahsoka went on. "There's something funny going on in the State of Denmark." The Togruta said with concern.
"What?" Rex and Fives asked.
Ahsoka looked to them and shrugged. "Famous Earth Quote," she explained. "Anyways, we need to find out what's going on inside of that building, and why the signature is similar to this Khyber Crystal I've been hearing about."
Just then, Pyro turned around. For some reason, he felt that someone was watching them. Rex took notice of this and looked around as well, somehow having the same feeling too.
"Something wrong, Boys?" Serra asked, turning to them.
"You can say that, Commander Shan," Pyro replied. "Something feels off. It's almost like the Sepies want us to go there. It seems too easy." Pyro explained.
M'gann turned around and started to look as well, sensing that something was off with the situation as well.
"Pyro's not kidding," Miss Martian stated. "I'm sending a presence around here, and trust me when I say this, it's not normal."
Ahsoka narrowed her eyes at Miss Martian, Serra, Rex and Pyro. The Togruta aimed her Arm-Mounted Crossbow Gauntlet into the air and started to scan.
"Let's hope you're wrong, guys." Ahsoka said as she scanned the area.
In thin air, hidden in plain sight, one of the Onslaught members, an Umbaran by the name of Ifrit, camouflaged herself to prevent from getting spotted. She grinned at the Young Justice, Rex, Fives, and the Bad Batch Clones devilishly.
At that moment, Ahsoka's Gauntlet beeped before fading away.
"I think we're all good," Ahsoka said, making a gesture to her friends to ease up. She sent them all winks, in which they nodded in response. "But we need to proceed with caution if we don't want to get caught." Ahsoka ordered with a grin now on her face.
The rest of the Young Justice nodded and started to make their way into the facility.
Inside of the building, Ahsoka and the Young Justice started to look around. Aside from a flight of stairs and a Turbolift, there were also some holograms of several battles of the Republic, both on the ground and in space, happening all over the Outer Rim.
The door behind them suddenly closed. Ahsoka looked to the Young Justice and nodded. They all nodded back, and Miss Martian placed her hand to her head, breaking everyone off from the Psychic Link.
"Striker on Kuat." Artemis noted as she saw Victor Deacon fight off against several Clones being led by Oppo Rancisis.
"Tol Skorr on Iridonia." Robin pointed out, seeing Tol Skorr fight against Eeth Koth and Keelyvine Reus.
"Grievous fighting Master Drallig!" Serra exclaimed upon seeing her Master fight against the Droid General.
"The Separatists have all sides occupied with each other," Drol stated as he watched Shaak Ti fight against Syrena on the Fourth Moon of Yavin. "All sides except the DarkSiders, that is."
"It's difficult to lure out Maul and Gemini," Ahsoka said as she sent a small droid from her Arm-Mounted Crossbow Gauntlet Compartment. It flew into the air and up to the higher levels. "But I'm more concerned as to why Dooku would want Farstar to use resources like this when he could be launching an assault instead."
Lux shrugged. "Maybe there's something Dooku knows that we don't," Rebel suggested. "Speaking from Separatist Experience, that is."
"Uh-huh," Ahsoka said, nodding her head before looking up to where she sent her Scout Droid. "Now, let's see what's on the top level, shall we?"
Everyone nodded and followed Ahsoka into a nearby Turbolift next to them.
Inside, Rex, Fives and the Bad Batch Clone Troopers started to equip their weapons. Connor looked to them and chuckled, lightly punching Hawkeye in the shoulder before placing his hand on it.
"You feeling up to this?" The Boy of Steel asked.
Hawkeye nodded. "Whatever awaits us, I'm sure we're going to be ready," Hawkeye stated. "We're going to be making the Republic proud by pulling this Mission off with success."
"Don't get cocky," Ahsoka said. "We can't have our guards down if Farstar already has this Onslaught Group ready for us."
"Hey, we may be Shinies, but we're not fools," Hawkeye teased. "To be honest, we're actually feeling quite peevish about going into our first Field Mission."
Fives chuckled. "You know, Echo would prefer things quiet and rather read Reg Manuals instead of going out onto the Field," the ARC Trooper brought up. "But that all changed when he and I were promoted to ARC Troopers in the 501st."
Rex sighed. "Echo was a good friend," he said. "He and Fives were and still are the finest Members of the 501st to fight for the Republic."
Post Battle of the Rishi Moon…
"Congratulations," Rex said to Fives and Echo on the Resolute. "You're not Shinies anymore."
Echo and Fives looked to the Medals they were given. Echo sighed. "With all due respect, Sir, we failed our Mission," Echo stated. "We don't deserve this honor."
Commander Cody shook his head. "No. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have known about the Invasion until it was too late." The Clone Commander said in response.
"You Boys showed me something today," Rex spoke up. "You're exactly the kind of men I need in the 501st."
Echo and Fives saluted. "Sir, yes, Sir!" they saluted. The two were officially ARC Troopers.
Present…
Rex sighed. "Echo was a good Trooper," he told the Bad Batch. "And if he were here, I bet he'd be proud of how you turned out."
"I know I would." Connor said.
The Bad Batch Clone Troopers nodded before the door to the Turbolift opened up. There was a long hallway in front of them, all walls lit with a green, glowing light.
"Get ready." Ahsoka ordered while readying her Arm-Mounted Crossbow.
Everyone nodded as Serra prepared her own as well.
The Young Justice got out from the Turbolift and slowly walked forward, aiming their weapons all around them in case someone tried to attack them.
All of a sudden, Miss Martian yelled and fell to the ground. Everyone turned to her with surprise as Ahsoka and Connor ran to her aid.
"M'gann, are you alright?!" Connor yelled.
"Who's doing this to you?!" Ahsoka demanded.
The Clone Troopers started to aim their blasters all around them as Miss Martian heard a loud ringing in her ears.
"Do you sense that?" M'gann asked. "Do you sense… that power?"
Ahsoka looked to M'gann with confusion before the same ringing came into her ears as well. Serra felt this connection too as the three Force-Sensitives started to look around.
"Where to now, Generals?" Hawkeye asked.
Ahsoka, Miss Martian and Serra all closed their eyes. They held out their hands, and aimed them towards a large room up ahead where the green light was emitting from.
"Over There." All three replied simultaneously.
The Young Justice and the Clone Troopers nodded to each other and made their way towards the light. Ahsoka and Serra helped Miss Martian back up onto her feet before making their way towards the mysterious room.
Inside of the big room up ahead was a large green crystal. Everyone gaped as they saw it, dropping their weapons in surprise.
"Is that a—" M'gann asked.
"A Khyber Crystal!" Serra exclaimed. "And a huge one!"
Ahsoka gaped. "Oh man!" she exclaimed. "If this Crystal were to explode, it would take out a Planet! I'm guessing the Separatists are using this Crystal's energy as a power source."
"And we can't let you get away with our little secret, I'm afraid." A voice suddenly said.
Everyone turned back around, regaining their weapons immediately.
The Bothan, Rustam, arrived, armed with an Electro Staff in his hands.
The two humans, Djinn and Jaculi, arrived as well, both using bowcasters and vibroblades.
A Zabrak, Manticore, ran in, but at his speed, it seemed that he had teleported as he twirled around his scepter.
Soon, a Geonosian, Ravan, flew over, using a Sonic Blaster to cause confusion among the Young Justice and the Clones.
Artemis and Rex tried to shoot, but another blast got in the way. The two turned to see an Umbaran armed with a pistol. The Umbaran, Ifrit, chuckled as she blew smoke off from her blaster.
A Trandoshan arrived, his name being Dervish. He pounded his fists together before a man with Kobra Venom arrived, looking as if he towered over Robin.
"The Onslaught, I presume?" Ahsoka asked.
Rex, Fives, and the Bad Batch all aimed their blasters at the Onslaught, but Ahsoka held her hand up. "They might not be the only ones here," she said. "Check the perimeter and find out if they brought additional forces."
All of the Clone Troopers nodded before heading out. Before they could make their way towards the exit, though, Ifrit cut them off with a blast.
"No one's going anywhere." Dervish announced.
"They don't seem to be kidding around," Rex mused as he now aimed his pistols at the Onslaught with Hawkeye joining him. "They mean business."
"Looks like just a bunch of random picks to me." Rocket remarked.
"We're not ordinary, Ahsoka Tano," the Bothan spat. "I am Rustam, and we are the Onslaught, the Elite Soldiers of the Separatist Army."
"You've gotten in our way for far too long now, Young Justice," Jaculi spoke up. "We're putting an end to you right here, right now."
"But don't expect us to go easy on you." Djinn spat.
"Every enemy you fought was nothing more than a pawn," Ifrit announced. "We are the grand pieces of that hold the Separatists together."
"And we will keep it that way," Garrote called out. "We'll kill anyone who dares to oppose us!"
"I've been waiting too long for this!" Manticore exclaimed. "Your end is now!"
"We'll see about that," Ahsoka said as she activated one lightsaber while the rest of the Young Justice prepared to fight. "We won't let Farstar get away with his plan, and we won't hesitate to take you down if we have to."
"Come and try!" Rustam yelled, charging at Ahsoka.
Ahsoka and Rustam immediately clashed before Robin tossed birdarangs at Ravan.
Ravan laughed and started to speak to the Boy Wonder and the Emerald Archer in Geonosian, as if he were taunting them, before flying forward and shooting at his enemies.
"Click, click!" Artemis quipped, shooting a small arrow from her helmet.
The small arrow hit Ravan in the shoulder, causing him to fall to the ground. Rex, Topshot and Trig all shot at him while he was still down, but Ravan flew out of the way quickly and shot at them.
"Your fight's with us!" Robin proclaimed, tossing several birdarangs to counter the sonic blast.
Rocket flew right at Dervish and slammed an energy construct at him, but he smashed it apart before Superboy and Garrote struck at each other.
Kid Flash and Manticore dashed around, clashing with each other. Lux had given Kid Flash the Darksaber to use, so the two were on equal level with each other. Manticore struck low at Wally, but Kid Flash used the Darksaber to counter the blade before slashing off a horn on Manticore's head.
"Why, you!" Manticore called out as he slashed at Wally.
Before Manticore could make his hit, Stitch and Mute shot at him. The Zabrak growled before laughing as Kid Flash took this chance to race around him. Manticore tossed his scepter to his right, knocking Kid Flash to the ground.
Zatanna and Jaculi both shot at each other. They leapt through the wires in the room as they strafed each other down, spells against blasts and swords clashing all throughout.
"We've got her!" Hawkeye called out, shooting with Fives.
Jaculi teleported away and behind Zatanna. Zatanna gasped and tried to slash with her sword, but was soon knocked out.
Aqualad struck down at Djinn with his Water-Bearers, but Djinn used his twin swords to slash back. The two attempted to gain momentum over one another before Ifrit attempted to blast Kaldur'ahm in the back. Before the blast could make impact, however, Miss Martian took out her lightsaber and slashed at it. Ifrit chuckled and held out her vibroblade, aiming it towards the Martian.
M'gann readied both of her lightsabers and dashed towards Ifrit before the Umbaran sent forth a torrent of blasts. M'gann dodged them all before Serra charged and slashed down at Ifrit from behind. Ifrit took out another sword and blocked Serra's blades before clashing with M'gann's. The three grunted, with Ifrit laughing. She soon pushed them off before engaging Miss Martian in combat while Serra strafed at her from afar.
Rocket and Dervish continued to clash before Dervish grabbed Raquel by her hands as Rebel tried to shoot at her with Gerrera and Drol.
"Come and get me!" Dervish called out as she tossed Raquel to the side before shooting at Rebel, Gerrera and Drol.
The three blasted back, all blasts meeting each other in midair. Rebel punched Dervish in the chest, knocking her back before Gerrera sent a grenade her way. Dervish just laughed before Drol sent a missile towards her direction, knocking her on her back.
Rustam started to push Ahsoka back now, the Togruta surprised at how well this Bothan was able to keep up with her.
"Surprised?" Rustam asked before kicking Ahsoka in the chest. "You should be!"
Ahsoka grunted and rolled to the ground. Robin continued to fight against Ravan until the Boy Wonder hid in the shadows.
Ravan looked around before Robin attacked him from behind. However, Ravan aimed his blaster behind his back and shot at the Boy Wonder, knocking him to the ground. The Geonosian looked to Robin and smirked, making clicks from his mouth.
"If I had a Credit for every time I hear a Geonosian talk, I would've been rich." Robin quipped while helping Ahsoka back onto her feet.
Aqualad was soon knocked back by Djinn. The Atlantean was about to fight back until he noticed that Djinn made several scars on him.
Ifrit continued to slash at M'gann while Serra blasted her. Eventually, Ifrit sent one blast back at Serra, but was punched away by Miss Martian, who flew back as soon as she made her hit.
"You might as well give it up," Rustam taunted as he, Ifrit, Djinn and Ravan walked towards them slowly. "We know all of your moves, all of your tricks, all of your special tactics. We can't be beat."
Ahsoka panted. "How do you know so much about us?" she asked.
"Let's just say it came from an… inside source." Rustam teased.
"So, there is a Traitor in the Republic, Lux deducted as he, Gerrera and Drol backed away from Dervish. "Who do you answer to?"
"Only those with the greatest power," Rustam replied back. "We've studied all of your skills, all of your talents, and have run through scenarios on how to defeat you when the time came," Rustam said with a laugh, not noticing that Mute was taking out another CENSORSHIP Bomb. "We are the key to—"
"Ah, shut it!" Mute called out, tossing his CENSORSHIP Bomb at the Onslaught. The Onslaught members looked to the Bomb before it sounded off, causing them to become silent.
"Alright, now!" Hawkeye called out, shooting at Rustam. The Bothan growled and deflected the blasts before the Young Justice attacked again. The Bad Batch, who had been getting ready to attack the whole time, started to run and open fire upon the Onslaught.
Ahsoka smiled. "Thanks, Hawkeye," she said before turning her attention to Rex and Fives. "We need to cut off the power coming from that Khyber Crystal!" she called out. "Take it down!"
"You got it!" Rex called out before he sent a blast towards one of the cords.
The Onslaught Members all growled, literally silent, before Dervish charged towards them.
"Going somewhere?" Stitch called out. He took out a small pistol and shot at Dervish with it several times in her chest. Dervish looked to her chest before Stitch sheathed his blaster. Upon it being placed back into its holster, explosions went off all over on Dervish's body. She yelled in pain before falling back.
Pyro looked to Garrote and chuckled. Garrote tossed several daggers towards the Clone Explosives Expert, but he slid under them and tossed some small devices at Garrote. As soon as Pyro got back up, he pressed a button on his Gauntlet, causing small shocks to stun Garrote before the devices exploded. Garrote was soon knocked onto his back unconscious.
Carver looked to Djinn and Jaculi and chuckled. "I can make a nice work of art out of you two," he said as he took out his blaster. "I think I'll get your good sides."
The two Humans started to blast at Carver, but he easily dodged them and rolled two grenades their way. Djinn and Jaculi looked down before they let out cables, wrapping around them.
Carver laughed as Connor ran up to him.
"Great job!" the Boy of Steel exclaimed.
"Now, you wanna finish it?" Carver asked.
"My pleasure!" Superboy exclaimed, shooting a large Ray of Heat Vision towards Djinn and Jaculi.
Both Human Twins grunted and were pushed back into a wall, where Fives and Serra electrocuted them with wires.
Ifrit started to slash at Trig, but he shot at her every single time. The two clashed blaster with swords and locked with each other. As Ifrit struggled to gain momentum over Trig, the Clone Strategist shot into the air.
"You missed!" Ifrit taunted.
"Wait for it…" Trig said in a sly tone.
Ifrit raised an eyebrow as blasts started to rain down. She gasped and attempted to get out of the way, but a blast from the shadows hit her, causing her to fall to the ground.
"Who did that?!" Trig called out.
Someone from the shadows immediately sheathed their blaster and ran off, much to Trig's confusion.
Topshot started to shoot at Rustam, emptying out all the cartridges in his blasters. Rustam laughed and deflected the blasts before Topshot shot right at his hand.
Rustam growled in anger and slashed his Electro Staff at Topshot, but Topshot immediately got out his new Blaster Ahsoka gave to him and shot Rustam with it, causing him to be sent flying out of the building and the Khyber Crystal to start to glow. Everyone looked to it within seconds before Battle Droids ran in, firing at them. However, they all stopped, and a wave spread out from the Khyber Crystal, shutting down all Droids before they reactivated.
"What did you do?!" Ahsoka asked frantically.
Before Topshot could reply, the Onslaught Team got back up and groaned. When they were on their feet again, the Droids started to open fire on them, and the Khyber Crystal's size was reduced, becoming small enough for Ahsoka to hold.
"Oh," Topshot said as he looked to the Blaster. "So that's what it does."
Hawkeye smiled and shot along with the Droids at the Onslaught.
"How did they do that?!" Dervish called out.
"Retreat! Pull out!" Ifrit ordered.
Ahsoka smiled before looking to the Khyber Crystal. It continued to glow before subsiding, getting the Droids to lower their weapons and walk towards the Young Justice and the Clone Troopers.
"What is your next command?" the Leader of the Droids asked.
"I'm not sure," Hawkeye said, looking to the Blaster. "Oh, wait. Take out as many other Droids out there as you can!"
"Roger, roger!" they all called out, marching out.
"So, this Blaster," Topshot said to Ahsoka. "It can pack a punch and emit strange energy?" the Bad Batch Clone Trooper asked.
Ahsoka shrugged. "I guess so," she said. "And it can fire more than one round without having to be reloaded. Interesting." The Togruta noted.
The Young Justice got back together before looking to the large room they had.
"This place is huge!" Robin exclaimed.
"Better use it while we can." Miss Martian said, summoning the Bioship as it phased through the walls.
"Well, at least we have a Base of Operations for the time being," Ahsoka mused. She patted Hawkeye on the shoulder. "Nice job, Bad Batch."
Captain Rex nodded. "You all did well on your first Field Mission," he complimented. "But remember, not every fight will be like this," he reminded them. "We all have to be ready for whatever comes next, no matter what."
The Bad Batch nodded. "We know we're not ready to be join the 501st yet," Hawkeye stated. "But we'll make you proud, we promise."
"Echo would be proud," Fives said. "I know he would."
Meanwhile, Atticus was reporting to Count Dooku.
"Forgive the intrusion, Master," Atticus said while the Onslaught came behind him. "But, in the course of action, we've encountered a new Team of Clone Troopers. They took the Khyber Crystal and the Base it was in."
Count Dooku looked to Atticus Farstar. "My Master has warned me about this," Dooku said sternly. "We are sending more Kobra Venom your way. The Light and I supplied the Onslaught with all the information on the Young Justice for your word that you would not fail me," Dooku said sternly. "I want those Clones wiped out… at all costs."
"We will not fail you, Lord Tyranus." Atticus said as he and the Onslaught all bowed.
Count Dooku nodded as his hologram faded away.
"I want this City on lockdown," Atticus ordered the Onslaught. "No one leaves, no one enters until the Young Justice and these new Clones are dead!"
The Onslaught all nodded and started to make their way towards the City.
"I will never fail the Separatists!" Atticus exclaimed. "I… will never fail!"
Meanwhile, Fives was looking to Echo's Badge. Everything was set up in the new Base, and Robin was at the computer.
"We'll have Anakin and the Resolute on soon." The Boy Wonder reported.
Fives nodded before Rex came over.
"They… really are like Domino Squad, Sir," Fives said. "Makes me miss Echo even more."
"We're doing him great honor, Fives," Rex said. "He would be proud of what we're doing."
Fives nodded as he and Rex walked off.
Unknown to them, a Clone watched from the shadows. He smiled before walking away.
Author's Note: Well, everyone, what did you think? This is based off of the Cancelled Clone Wars episode of the same name, and is part of a four-part Arc. The next Chapter will be great, I promise, and I couldn't have done this without the help of The Christian Jedi. He has returned, and we are back in business! I'll have a new Chapter out later on. Please be sure to review, rate, and as always, if you can, please try to Private Message me for anything on the story. After all, I'm always keen to hear from you. For now, this is SuperHeroTimeFan signing off. Have a great week, everyone! See you soon!